Import raw files with XMP settings

I tried a few more things. On some photos - maybe 5% of the ones I tried - I got the settings back. But not on all. On a few I got the star rating - but not on all. Any ideas?

I had the exact same issue: I exported original + settings, which gave me the original RAW image and an XMP file.

Lightroom unexpectedly quit, and when I relaunched it, my edits were gone.  What I wanted to do was apply the settings within the XMP file. It wouldn't import as a preset, so that didn't work.

What I had to do was rename the exported files (making sure they match and are in the same folder) and then import the image. The settings should come right along with the image and everything will be applied correctly. 

I hope that helps. 

I don't understand your workflow.  Why would you want to delete photo files from the Lightroom Cloud if you want to re-import them again?

Exporting files from Lightroom CC: originals plus settings, then deleting from Cloud, and re-importing again achieves nothing.

And what does importing presets have to do with exporting and importing?

What "settings applied automatically" do you want?

Can you explain in a little more detail what you hope to achieve?

So I understand you want to create a Preset from a photo file (RAW + XMP,   or DNG with embedded metadata)-

1) Do as described in the Correct answer from @JohanElzenga at-

https://community.adobe.com/t5/lightroom-ecosystem-cloud-based-discussions/bulk-import-xmp-sidecars-with-raw/m-p/10420465#M16580

then after importing the photo-

2) YOU create a preset by clicking on the [ + ] icon above the Presets panel.

The edits contained in the XMP data are written to the Preset you create.